hulagirl

My plan was to utilize the shuttles (paid and free) but the paid shuttle folks just recommended we rent a car (!!!) because the shuttles might be full and they don't take reservations. (!!!)

Suggestions?

Aug. 16 Glacier Park Lodge to Prince of Wales Hotel in Canada.
Aug. 17 Check into Rising Sun.
-- the rest of the time we are hiking to the chalets and then out to Many Glacier.

My plan (ha) was to use Glacier Park Inc. east side shuttle on Aug. 16 up to Prince of Wales. ($50 per person ONE WAY, total $100) 11am dept with arrival around 3pm-ish.

Next day, take the shuttle down to St. Mary's with arrival around 4:30. ($30/person Total $60) Then the free NPS shuttle to Rising Sun Motor Lodge.

Yes, this will total $160. But if we rent a car (much cheaper) we are screwed. How do we get a car pick up at Glacier Park Lodge (arriving via Amtrak) and then drop off at St. Mary's? That would be the BEST scenario, but I don't think I can do it. If we drop off at Glacier Park we STILL have to depend on the shuttle which leaves at 11am. Meaning we'd have to leave Prince of Wales by 6am to get down to East Glacier in time. Ridiculous.

Renting a car the whole time won't work as we are doing a point to point hike with chalet stops in the middle. Start at Sperry and out at Many Glacier. Again we have to rely on their shuttle busses (that you can't reserve a seat on). Are there any other options to get around if the shuttle is booked? Other than hitch?

Suggestions? Options?

Thanks!

Denise

boom_boom

Mid-August is a busy time in the Park and the shuttles are frequently full. If a rental car won't work the only option I know of is to be first in line for the shuttle each time. even if means getting there extra early to be sure you get a seat.

hulagirl

Thanks for the advice. Looks like we will rent a car and then play the "shuttle" lottery to get back to St. Mary's in time to pick it up before we need to leave.

Ackislander

The Prince of Wales is in a beautiful setting, but it is not in town, and the little town is worth visiting, if only for the prairie dog village on its outskirts (near a waterfall IIRC). Lots of good photo ops are also only accessible from a car. Make sure the rental company knows you are taking it into Canada and that you have the proper paper work for yourselves and the car in both directions.

John

And of course don't forget your passport and be aware of the border crossing opening and closing times.

hulagirl

Mahalo all! I knew about the rental car Canada insurance cards and paperwork, but didn't even THINK to check about the border opening and closing times.

And a prairie dog village? Oh awesome! Thanks again!